Chapter Three: The Discarded

Eli Baines, nineteen, free agent, released by four professional academies in three years. One hundred metres in 10.9 seconds. In unofficial matches, 7.1 successful dribbles per ninety minutes—and twenty-seven lost possessions. Sixteen late arrivals. Three arguments with coaches. Lin found him in a seaside cage playing five-a-side with schoolchildren. The thin boy had silver hair and one yellow lace, one green. He beat four defenders, then passed an open goal to the smallest child. “Eli?” “Agents talk to my brother. He's better at words.” “I'm not an agent. Greyport Athletic. Three-month contract.” Eli stopped the ball underfoot. “Training complex?” “No.” “Gym?” “Two recovery machines next week.” “Full-time nutritionist?”